Vanna White has been on Wheel of Fortune for over 40 years. She originally co-hosted the game show with veteran Pat Sajak. Ryan Seacrest took over in September 2024. White recently admitted there are days when she still gets nervous.
Key Takeaways
- Vanna White gets nervous when a contestant picks up the one-million-dollar wedge.
- She also has anxiety when she interacts with famous faces on WoF and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
- Some of the most famous faces include Mister Rogers and Stevie Wonder.
Getting Butterflies Despite Veteran Status
According to TVInsider, published on Tuesday, October 28, White is human, despite being on WoF for over 40 years. There are days when she gets anxious.
Her veteran status doesn’t prevent her anxiety. She told Parade on Saturday, October 25, that she doesn’t always “get nervous” on the game show. However, her heart will pump faster when a contestant picks up the million-dollar wedge. (WoF fans spotted a new addition to the classic wheel this year.)
“Every once in a while I do [get nervous],” White shared. “Like I know if we have a million dollars on the wheel, and she picks up the million dollars… It’s not nerves, but my heart is pounding.”
All she thinks about in the moment is whether they will win the million dollars. She hopes they solve the puzzle before it’s too late. White described the moment as “excitement.” Contestant Christina Derevjanik is the fourth person on the show to win $1 million.
Tongue-Tied Around Celebrities
That’s not the only moment that makes White nervous. Despite co-hosting Celebrity Wheel of Fortune with Seacrest, she still gets tongue-tied around famous people.
There were moments when celebrities stumbled onto the soundstage. They’re such big fans of the show that they want to visit the iconic set.
“I remember years ago, I was sitting in the makeup chair and Stevie Wonder walked in,” she recalled. “So yes, I got nervous when I saw Stevie Wonder. And I also got nervous when I saw Mister Rogers. He came on our show, and I was just so nervous to meet him.”
Mister Rogers, also known as the late Fred Rogers, appeared in September 1998 during the show’s “Pittsburgh Week.” This came as a surprise to both White and Sajak. After a contestant solved the puzzle, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” he popped up on the set.
White hasn’t forgotten about that moment. Now, numerous celebrities compete for charity on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
What are your thoughts on White still getting nervous despite her over 40-year career reign? Does this surprise you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
